Have you ever craved a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the creamy texture of cheese? If so, Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is the answer to all your dinner dilemmas. This delightful recipe offers a perfect harmony of flavors, featuring tender ziti pasta enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce made with Boursin Garlic and Herb Gournay cheese. Paired with succulent chicken and fresh spinach, it’s a meal that your entire family will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Why We Love This Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe
This Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is not just a dinner; it’s an experience. The rich and creamy sauce is complemented perfectly by the added depth of garlic and herbs from the Boursin cheese. You’ll find that this dish strikes a wonderful balance between indulgence and comfort. It’s a great recipe for weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for guests. The combination of fresh ingredients and cheesy goodness makes it a favorite. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, making it a wonderful option for busy schedules. You’ll quickly see why this baked ziti has won hearts everywhere!
Ingredients about Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
To create this mouthwatering Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Garlic and Herb Gournay Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Directions
Making Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is a straightforward process that will yield delicious results. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Next, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. You’ll want the pasta to be tender, which should take about 11 minutes. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve 2 tablespoons of the pasta water for later use. After draining, set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking these aromatic ingredients for an additional 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation for complex flavors in your dish.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a creamy and well-combined sauce. If you find that the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Now it’s time to gently fold in the drained ziti pasta. Ensure that each piece of ziti is coated in that luscious sauce. Once combined, transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
For the final touch, sprinkle the top with the mixture of pecorino Romano cheese and Italian-style breadcrumbs. This will create a delightful golden-brown crust when baked. Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is perfectly golden.
After removing the dish from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. This not only helps with serving but also allows the flavors to settle. Serve your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti warm, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
How to Serve Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
When it comes to serving your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti, presentation is key to heightening the experience. Start by portioning out the baked ziti into bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of additional pecorino Romano cheese for an extra touch of flavor. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. Consider serving a crisp arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the baked ziti. The slightly peppery arugula will contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese.
You can also place a bottle of hot sauce on the table so your guests can add an extra kick to their servings if they wish. Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is not just filling—it is a feast for the senses that invites everyone to dig in and savor every bite.
Expert Tips: Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
To ensure that your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the dish can only be as good as the ingredients used. Fresh herbs, high-quality chicken, and artisanal pasta can elevate this recipe significantly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook while baking. Cooking it al dente ensures that it won’t become mushy once baked.
- Customize Your Cheeses: While Boursin cheese is a star ingredient, you can incorporate different cheeses depending on your preference. Adding a bit of provolone or gouda can provide additional layers of flavor.
- Pre-cook Chicken Wisely: If using leftover chicken, ensure it’s seasoned well. If cooking fresh chicken, sauté it in the same pan with onions for added flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. Feel free to add more if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Let it Rest: After baking and cooling slightly, let your baked ziti sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape when cut.
By following these tips, you can customize the dish to your liking and maximize its flavor.
How to Store Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
Storing any leftovers of your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. The dish can be stored safely for about 3 to 5 days, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used.
If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, allowing for some space as the dish will expand as it freezes. You can freeze the baked ziti for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Variation of Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
One of the greatest aspects of Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is its versatility. You can customize the recipe with a variety of variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Add More Vegetables: Consider tossing in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Switch the Protein: If chicken isn’t your preference, try substituting it with cooked turkey, shredded beef, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick of heat, add chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies to the pan while sautéing onions.
- Try Different Cheeses: You can switch out Boursin for another flavored cream cheese or ricotta mixed with fresh herbs for a different twist.
- Herbed Ziti: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the sauce for a fresh taste.
With these variations, you can explore new flavors and find your ultimate version of Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti.
FAQ about Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
What makes Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti special?
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is unique due to its creamy sauce made from Boursin cheese, which adds a rich flavor profile unlike standard baked ziti recipes.
Can I make Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What type of pasta can I substitute for ziti?
While ziti is traditionally used, you can easily substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta to keep the dish exciting.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy and cheesy nature of Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti tends to please children and adults alike. Adjust the spice level as needed.
Can I add more cheese to this dish?
Certainly! If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or your favorite cheese to enhance the creaminess even further.
With these insights and guidance, your journey into making Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is bound to be a delicious success! Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every decadent bite of your creation.
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese For topping
- 2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs For topping
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ziti pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter For sautéing
- 1/2 cup chopped onion Sauté until soft
- 1 clove garlic, minced Add for flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken Use leftover or rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach Can substitute with kale
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 package Boursin Garlic and Herb Gournay Cheese (5.2 ounces) This is a key flavoring ingredient
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creaminess
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 11 minutes until tender. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, dried Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until you have a creamy sauce.
- Fold in the drained ziti pasta, ensuring every piece is coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with the pecorino Romano cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serving
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish each portion with additional pecorino Romano cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!